Women who had breast surgery at Stracathro Hospital in the past five years could be at risk. It is possible their cancers may not have been completely removed.

Douglas Irving, 51, was suspended from his duties as consultant general surgeon at Stracathro Hospital, Brechin, north of Dundee, by the Angus NHS Trust.

The suspension followed an audit of his caseload which showed he had not consistently followed agreed practice guidelines.

The investigation is focusing on about 150 patients from Tayside and Grampian whose breast disorders he has operated on since 1993.

'Adversely affected'

A telephone helpline has been set up.(0800 224488.)

A trust spokesman said that former patients would be offered a clinical review by a breast specialist as soon as possible.

Officials said it was "unlikely" that there would be serious health worries, but added that a number of patients had been "adversely affected". The nature of these effects was not disclosed.

Ron McLeod, Acting Chief Executive of Angus NHS Trust, said: "Our overriding concern is for the welfare of Mr Irving's patients and to ensure that each person, as appropriate, has access to advice, reassurance or counselling.

Scottish Health Minister Sam Galbraith expressed his concern over the case.

"The immediate task is for the trust and the health board is to contact patients and offer support, advice and counselling and where appropriate immediate access to treatment.